CONTEXT CLUES

and its types

CONTEXT CLUES
 are hints found within a sentence,
paragraph, or passage that a reader
can use to understand the meanings
of new or unfamiliar words.
 TYPES
of
CONTEXT CLUES
1. DEFINITION / DESCRIPTION CLUE

 The new term may be formally

defined, or sufficient explanation
may be given within the sentence or
in the following sentence. Clues to
definition include “that is,” commas,
dashes, and parentheses.
Examples
His emaciation, that is, his skeleton-
like appearance, was frightening to
see.
“Skeleton-like appearance” is
the definition of “emaciation.”
Fluoroscopy, examination with a
fluoroscope, has become a common
practice.
The commas before and after
“examination with a
fluoroscope” point out the
definition of
“fluoroscopy.”
2. EXAMPLE CLUES
 Sometimes when a reader finds a
new word, an example might be
found nearby that helps to explain its
meaning. Words like including, such
as, and for example, point out
example clues.
Examples
Piscatorial creatures, such as flounder,
salmon, and trout, live in the coldest
parts of the
ocean.
“Piscatorial” obviously refers to
fish.
Examples
Celestial bodies, including the sun,
moon, and stars, have fascinated man
through the centuries.
“Celestial” objects are those in
the sky or heavens.
3. SYNONYM RESTATEMENT CLUE

 The reader may discover the

meaning of an unknown word
because it repeats an idea expressed
in familiar words nearby. Synonyms
are words with the same meaning.
Examples
Flooded with spotlights – the focus of
all attention – the new Miss America
began her year-long reign. She was
the cynosure of all eyes for the rest of
the evening.
“Cynosure” means “the focus
of all attention.”
The mountain pass was a tortuous
road, winding and twisting like a snake
around the trees of the mountainside.
“Tortuous” means “winding
and twisting.”
4. CONTRAST / ANTONYM CLUE

 Antonyms are words with opposite

meanings. An opposite meaning
context clue contrasts the meaning
of an unfamiliar word with the
meaning of a familiar term.
4. CONTRAST / ANTONYM CLUE

 Words like “although,” “however,”

and “but” may signal contrast clues.
Examples
When the light brightens, the pupils of
the eyes contract; however, when it
grows darker, they dilate.
“Dilate” means the opposite of
“contract.”
Examples
The children were as different as day
and night. He was a lively
conversationalist, but she was
reserved and taciturn.
“Taciturn” means the opposite
of a “lively conversationalist.”